Cruz Azul beats Toluca 2-1 in Mexican league

AP , Associated Press

Sep. 8, 20133:42 PM ET

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Cruz Azul defeated Toluca 2-1 on Sunday to move into fourth position in Mexico's first division, while reigning champion America extended its lead at the top on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Monterrey.

Morelia remains in second - two points behind America - after drawing 2-2 against last-placed Atlante on Saturday, with Leon in third despite losing 1-0 against Chiapas, also on Saturday, in the ninth round of matches.

Debutant goalkeeper Guillermo Allison was the hero for Cruz Azul, after he saved Juan Carlos Cacho's penalty, which turned out to be the last kick of the game.

Alejandro Castro struck the winner for Cruz Azul in the 72nd minute, scoring from outside the penalty area with a right foot drive.

Toluca had taken the lead in the 2nd minute, when Cacho latched on to a right wing cross to tap in from close range, but Argentine Marione Pavone leveled in the 54th.

America is now the only undefeated team in the league and scored its goal late on, with Colombian Luis Gabriel Rey converting a penalty in the 88th.

Goalkeeper Yosgart Gutierrez was the hero for Atlante after saving two penalties.

Relegation-threatened Atlante took the lead through Roberto Nanni's penalty in the 26th, with Chilean Hector Mancilla equalizing for Morelia in the 32nd.

Alejandro Vela handed Atlante the lead once again in the 54th, before Joel Huiqui headed in from a corner to make the score 2-2.

Chiapas ended Leon's unbeaten record, with Carlos Ochoa netting the only goal two minutes before halftime.

Chivas let a 3-0 lead slip inside the last 15 minutes and have just one win in their eight games this season.

Alan Pulido, Juninho and Manuel Viniegra got the late goals for Tigres, after Aldo de Nigris had opened the scoring in the fifth and Marco Fabian and Carlos Fierro increased Chivas' lead after halftime.

Ecuadorian Fidel Martinez scored a goal in each half and Paraguayan Pablo Aguilar scored the other as Tijuana cruised to victory against Veracruz.

Rafael Figueroa volleyed in for Santos Laguna to level the scores in the 85th, five minutes after Omar Bravo looked like he'd given Atlas the points when he converted a penalty. Bravo also scored Atlas' first in the ninth, before Javier Orozco equalized for Santos Laguna in the 74th.

Diego de la Torre netted the only goal three minutes after halftime as Queretaro overcame Puebla.

Pachuca had the best opportunities and more possession against Pumas in a game of few clear-cut chances.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Cruz Azul defeated Toluca 2-1 on Sunday to move into fourth position in Mexico's first division, while reigning champion America extended its lead at the top on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Monterrey.